ECT Flashcards
What is ECT?
The induction of seizures for therapeutic benefit
Why are muscle relaxants used in ECT?
To protect the patient from MSK injury
What muscle relaxant is usually used?
Suxamethonium
What are the indications for ECT?
Severe depressive disorders - catatonic, psychotic
Severe maternal depression
Mania
Schizophrenia with comorbid severe depression
What are some contradiction for ECT?
Raised intracranial pressure
Recent Stroke
Relatives
○ Lithium increases risk of post amnesia and confusion
○ Hyperthyroid
○ Anticonvulsants increase seizure threshold
- Benzo’s decrease
What are some side effects of ECT?
Cognitive - retrograde and anterograde amnesia, confusion, persistent memory disturbane
Headache, muscle aches
Nausea
How can you reduce SE?
Unilateral lead placement
Spacing treatments
Using a pulse square wave stimulus
